Want to experience the magic of Disney beyond the theme parks?
If you want to do something different, try Disney World Resort Hopping. It’s such an incredible experience to wander around and see all the unique themes and atmospheres. Each resort is like its own little world.
Here are my tips and information on resort activities, shopping, dining, and transportation to help you get the most out of Disney Resort Hopping.
Let’s explore.
Planning Your Disney World Resort Hopping Itinerary
Creating a Disney World resort hopping plan takes a bit of research, but it’s not too complicated and can be fun if you enjoy vacation planning (like I do).
First, take a look at the activities and entertainment each resort offers. There’s quite a bit to see and do. If you’re interested in shopping, check out the unique stores and gift shops at each location. And don’t forget to look at the restaurant menus to plan any meals or snacks you want to grab while moving between resorts.
Once you’ve decided which resorts you want to visit, figure out how much time you’d like to spend at each one. Then, map out the most efficient route and decide your transportation options. Finally, set a budget for food, shopping, and any paid activities you might want to do.
With some prep work, you’ll enjoy a fun day of resort hopping.
Disney World Resort Hopping Planning Tips and Tricks
- Start the Day Early: The resort lobbies are less busy in the early mornings, which is perfect if you want to take pictures or enjoy the atmosphere without a crowd.
- Keep Kids Entertained: If you’re resort hopping with kids, take advantage of the kids’ areas in the lobbies. They usually have TVs playing Disney movies and comfy seats.
- Bring Your Resort Mug: Refillable resort mugs can be refilled at any Quick Service restaurant, so it’s worth bringing along.
- My Disney Experience App: This app is your best tool for Disney World Resort Hopping. Use it to find restrooms, restaurants, shops and even do mobile ordering to save time.
- Check Operating Times: Double-check the hours for things like the Community Halls and restaurants before you head over. You don’t want to show up and find they’re closed while you’re at the resort.
- Plan for Walking: Be prepared to do a lot of walking. It can be more than a park day, so plan for breaks. Find some relaxing spots, like the hammocks at the Polynesian or the balconies at the Riviera.
- Be Flexible: While it’s good to have a plan, leave a bit of wiggle room. You never know what you might find if you go with the flow.
- Don’t Overdo It: Resort hopping can be a fun way to spend a rest day, but it’s not exactly restful. Make sure you plan for some downtime, especially if you have kids with you.
- Timing Tips: For just touring the lobbies and grounds, plan for about an hour per resort. Add more time if you’re planning on doing any resort activities or stopping to grab something to eat.
- Budget for It: set a budget for food, shopping, and anything extra you might want to do, so there aren’t any unexpected costs.
Disney Resort Activities
Touring lobbies and the grounds can be a great Disney World resort hopping activity in itself, but the resorts offer a variety of other amenities and activities too. Even if you aren’t staying at the resort, you can enjoy almost all the free and paid guest activities. With one exception: you can’t pool hop—Disney World Resort pool rules don’t allow it. But it’s still worth looking at some unique pools- like the one with the rollercoaster slide at the BoardWalk Inn or the Yacht and Beach Clubs mini waterpark, Stormalong Bay.
Free Things to Do at Disney World Resorts
Each Disney World resort has a variety of free activities, and they’re open to everyone, not just guests. Each resort has its own unique lineup of games, activities, and entertainment. Some of the fantastic free options you can enjoy:
- Disney World Resort Campfires: While some resorts only host campfires on select nights, you can find this activity at every location
- Movies Under the Stars: Also offered on select nights at some resorts and every night at others, this is your chance to watch a wide variety of your Disney favorites
- Scavenger Hunts: A way to make Disney World Resort hopping a bit more fun for kids
- Family Games: There’s a variety of scheduled group activities like trivia, bingo, or lawn games
- Themed Parties: Another fun scheduled activity for kids is the evening pajama, dance, or glow parties.
- Fitness Classes: Some resorts have weekly scheduled family fitness, yoga, tai chi, or dance classes.
- Games and Sports: All the resorts feature a variety of classic and modern games, including:
- Giant checkers, chess, Jenga, or Connect 4
- Tic-tac-toe, Twister, or hopscotch
- Cornhole or ladder toss
- Foot snooker, tetherball, or disc golf
- Ping pong, billiards, bumper pool, or foosball
- Shuffleboard, basketball, volleyball, tennis, or pickleball courts
- Beaches: You can relax in lounge chairs, swings, hammocks, or the sand at the beaches located at some of the resorts.
- Electrical Water Pageant and Fireworks Viewing: Some resorts offer great viewing spots for the Electrical Water Pageant or nightly fireworks shows from Magic Kingdom and EPCOT
Disney Resorts with The Best Playgrounds
Resort hopping with kids?
Then you have to check out the playgrounds. While these are available at most resorts, some do better with the theming than others. Here’s a list of the best Disney Resort playgrounds:
- Righteous Reef Playground -Art of Animation
- Boneyard Playground -Art of Animation
- Congress Park Playground -Saratoga Springs
- Explorer’s Playground -Coronado Springs
- Caribbean Cay Playground – Caribbean Beach
Community Halls at Disney World Resorts
Another resort perk that you need to check out if you’re resort hopping with kids is the community rooms. Your kids can enjoy board games, video games, books and toys, do arts and crafts (free or paid), or watch a Disney movie. Here’s where you’ll find them:
- Kidani Village Community Hall – Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village
- Ferris W. Eahlers Community Hall – BoardWalk Inn
- Community Hall -Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary
- Conch Flats Community Hall – Old Key West
- Community Hall – Saratoga Springs
- Eventi Room – Riviera
- Recreation Room– Art of Animation
Paid activities at Disney World Resorts
While there are lots of activities you can do for free, Disney resorts also offer some affordable paid activities:
- Arcades -all resorts
- Painting/mosaic art classes -select resorts
- Ceramic or wood painting -select resorts
Disney World Resort Entertainment.
And don’t forget the entertainment. It’s a little extra Disney magic you won’t find anywhere else! Some free options you can find are:
- Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long – Fort Wilderness
- Steel Drum Band – Caribbean Beach
- Lobby Pianist – Grand Floridian
- Yehaa Bob Jackson – Port Orleans- Riverside
- Live Jazz Music – Port Orleans- Riverside
Rentals at Disney World Resorts
If you want a fun way to explore some of the larger resorts without adding extra steps to your day, there are these rental options:
- Bike rental – Fort Wilderness, Old Key West, Port Orleans- Riverside, Saratoga Springs
- Surrey bike rental – BoardWalk Inn, Old Key West, Port Orleans- Riverside, Saratoga Springs
- Kayak or canoe rental -Fort Wilderness
- Motorized Boat Rentals -Contemporary Resort, Grand Floridian, Beach and Yacht Club
Unique Experiences at Disney World Resorts
Did you know you can even go horseback riding at Disney World?
Disney resorts don’t just have a variety of activities, they also offer a variety of experiences. From tours to recreational activities, Disney resorts have great options for memorable adventures:
- Jambo House Lobby Art Tour -Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Wonders of the Lodge Art & Architecture Tour -Wilderness Lodge
- Starlight Safari – Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides – Fort Wilderness, Port Orleans- Riverside
- Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides – Fort Wilderness
- Wilderness Back Trail Adventure – Fort Wilderness
- Magic Kingdom Fireworks Cruise – Contemporary
- EPCOT Fireworks Cruise – Beach and Yacht Club
- Celebration at the Top – Sip, Savor, Sparkle – Contemporary
- Sangria University – Coronado Springs
- Crockett’s Craft Corner – Wine & Woodshop -Fort Wilderness
- Tennis lessons – Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary, Animal Kingdom Lodge, BoardWalk Inn, Saratoga Springs, Yacht & Beach Club
- Pickleball Clinics – Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary, Fort Wilderness, BoardWalk Inn, Old Key West
- Tasteful Artistry -Wilderness Lodge
- Guided Fishing Excursions – Contemporary, Caribbean Beach, Fort Wilderness, Old Key West, Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Port Orleans- Riverside, Wilderness Lodge, Saratoga Springs, Beach and Yacht Club
- Dockside Fishing -Fort Wilderness, Port Orleans- Riverside
- Horseback Riding – Fort Wilderness
- Archery – Fort Wilderness
- Pony Rides -Fort Wilderness
- L&B Gem Mining Co. Experience – Fort Wilderness
- Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue – Fort Wilderness
The schedules for entertainment and activities at Disney World resorts change regularly. To help plan your timing check the current monthly Disney World Resort Recreation Schedules. To see a complete list of what is offered at each resort, see my post on Things to Do at Disney Resorts.
Disney Resort Dining
Now that you know all the fun stuff you can do at the resorts, let’s talk about the food!
One of the best parts of Disney World resort hopping is all the different food options. You can get a taste of just about anything – Polynesian, Italian, French, you name it. And if you just want to relax and unwind, the Disney Resort Lounges are the perfect place to grab a cocktail or a snack while soaking in the atmosphere.
Disney Resort Dining Options:
- Character dining (you’ll likely need a reservation to get a table)
- Table service (reservations are usually a good idea, but sometimes you can walk up)
- Quick Service (some even have mobile ordering, check the Disney My Experience app)
- Pool bar (some are located outside the pool gates, but ones that aren’t won’t be accessible to non-guests)
- Lounge bar (for drinks and light snacks)
Resort Hopping Dining Tips:
- Doing Character dining at a resort will allow you to enjoy this unique Disney experience on a non-park day so you’re not rushing through it.
- You can book dining reservations 60 days before your arrival day if you’re staying at any Disney Resort or 30 days before your dining day if you’re not staying on-site.
- Check the restaurant hours while planning the order you’ll be visiting the resorts in because it may affect your plans.
Disney Resort Shopping
Now, let’s talk shopping!
Each resort has its own unique shops that offer all sorts of Disney magic you won’t find in the parks. You can find exclusive merchandise (like resort-themed Loungefly Bags) and other souvenirs, like at the Polynesian’s BouTiki or the Grand Floridian’s Garden View Shop. And don’t forget pin trading!
Resort Hopping Shopping Tips:
- You can check out all the resort shops on the Disney World website, too. That way, you can plan your shopping stops.
- If you’re interested in shopping, consider adding in a couple of hours at Disney Springs too. It’s within walking distance of Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and can be a great transportation hub for getting from one resort to the next.
How to Get Around Disney World Resorts
With so many resorts to explore, finding the best transportation option for each resort will save you time and make your day go smoother. Here’s a quick look at the various Disney World Resort Transportation Options:
- Monorail: A classic Disney experience you’ll want to include in your Disney World resort hopping day!
- Skyliner: A newer favorite with stunning aerial views -perfect for snapping photos.
- Buses: Reliable and frequent, but not always the fastest option.
- Boats: Scenic and relaxing, ideal for unwinding while you travel.
- Minnie Vans: Fun and unique, but keep in mind they’re on the pricier side.
- Uber/Lyft: Convenient and quick, especially for resort-to-resort travel when time is tight.
Before you decide how you’ll get around, it’s helpful to group the resorts by location.
Here’s a breakdown:
Disney World Monorail Loop
The monorail connects the following resorts and Magic Kingdom:
- Contemporary Resort
- Polynesian Village Resort
- Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Tip: You can also walk from Magic Kingdom to the Grand Floridian and Polynesian, as well as from Magic Kingdom to the Contemporary Resort. Walking might even save you time if you’re in a hurry!
Magic Kingdom Resort Area Boat Routes:
If you want a scenic water ride, the following boat routes connect these areas:
- Gold Flag Launch: Magic Kingdom to Grand Floridian and Polynesian.
- Green Flag Launch: Magic Kingdom to Fort Wilderness.
- Red Flag Launch: Magic Kingdom to Wilderness Lodge.
- Blue Flag Launch: Wilderness Lodge, Fort Wilderness, and Contemporary Resort.
Disney World Skyliner Resorts
The Skyliner is a fan favorite and connects these resorts and parks:
- Pop Century and Art of Animation to Caribbean Beach.
- Caribbean Beach to Hollywood Studios.
- Caribbean Beach to Riviera Resort.
- Riviera Resort to EPCOT (International Gateway entrance).
Tip: Pop Century and Art of Animation are connected by a walking path around the lake. You can also walk between Caribbean Beach and Riviera Resort.
Boardwalk Area- Friendship Boat Routes
The Friendship Boats follow these routes, though you can also easily walk between these resorts which is often the faster option:
- Route 1: EPCOT, The Boardwalk, Beach and Yacht Club, Dolphin and Swan Resorts, and Hollywood Studios.
- Route 2: Hollywood Studios, Dolphin and Swan Resorts, Beach and Yacht Club, The Boardwalk, and EPCOT.
Disney Springs Area- Boat Routes
A great option if you’re also making a stop for shopping, these are the resorts you can boat to from Disney Springs:
- Yellow Route: Disney Springs to and from Port Orleans (Riverside and French Quarter, which you can walk between as well).
- Green Route: Disney Springs to and from Old Key West.
- Blue Route: Disney Springs to and from Saratoga Springs.
Tip: You can also walk from Disney Springs to Saratoga Springs
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort Area
For resorts near Animal Kingdom, buses are your only free option. Since the Disney buses do not go from resort to resort, this means taking a bus from one resort to a park and then catching another bus to the next resort. If you don’t want to spend that much time going from resort to resort, you may want to consider using an Uber or Lyft for these resorts:
- All-Star Sports Resort
- All-Star Music Resort
- All-Star Movies Resort
- Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Coronado Springs Resort
The three All-Star Resorts are connected by a jogging path, making it easy to walk between them.
Resort Hopping Transportation tips
- Use the My Disney Experience App: This app is a lifesaver! Compare transportation options, check routes, and get travel time estimates.
- Plan for extra time: Disney transportation is reliable, but wait times can add up. Budget about an hour to get from one resort to another via bus, including any necessary park transfers.
- Check Park opening/closing times: Disney transportation will be the busiest from an hour or so before and after the parks open and close, so expect longer waits during these peak times.
- Consider Uber or Lyft: The best option to save time for resorts that only offer bus transportation or during peak times.
- Enjoy the journey: Whether it’s a relaxing boat ride or a scenic Skyliner trip, the transportation you take while Disney World Resort hopping is part of the experience.
If you need more inspiration and guidance, check out my sample itineraries post or my review of visiting all the resorts in three days. And don’t forget to look at my list of all the activities and dining options offered at each resort.
Remember, while planning is great, leave room for surprises. That’s where the best moments happen.